Class of '55
April 2010

First I want to thank Jackie Carlson and Norm Carlson for writing their excellent class letters. I think you will agree it is nice to get different voices on what’s going on in the Gustavus world.

As our 55th reunion approaches I paged through the 1955 annual to refresh myself on the faces of the class. They are eager and happy faces who were about to change the world and make a lasting impact on society. From my vantage point that is exactly what happened.

What I have heard, read and witnessed suggests you have been a blessing to the world. Just think of the contributions you have made to your families, your communities and churches. And what great citizens you fostered in your children and grandchildren. I think it is amazing! The class of ’55 has made a marvelous contribution to society.

You came from diverse regions and backgrounds. There was something special about the collective intelligence, common sense, talent and above all, the penchant for fun that I feel characterized our class. And it was Gustavus Adolphus College that molded and transformed all these characteristics into a coherent, vibrant force for civic good. I am in awe of the blessings you have bestowed on the world. I am in awe of the College that did such a good job in shaping your destiny. That’s enough of that. I don’t want to give you big heads. I still think it’s good to talk about success when there is so much failure around us.

On to the reunion. I hope to see many of you there. Norm Carlson’s class letter lists a schedule of events. I want to underline the Saturday morning breakfast. At that time we will have a special memorial ceremony for the 42 classmates who have died. How fortunate we are to have survived to the 55th year. Also, I want to remind you that we will have a class of 1955 gathering spot, so it will be easier to find each other. Our class will gather in the faculty/staff lounge in the Campus Center, just down the hall from the banquet room where our lunch will be held.

I want to acknowledge the excellent committee who has worked on publicity and arrangements for the reunion. They are Pat (Johnson) and Phil Hall, Jackie Carlson, Nancy List Sebo, Jean Matz Carlson, Gene Frisk and Gordy Holm.My heartfelt thanks go out to them.

I also want to recommend contributions to our Class Scholarship. Let’s help future Gusties make contributions to society such as you have done. I know the economic times are difficult for many, but do what you can.

Yours sincerely,

Dick DeRemee

1955 Class Agent

Campus News

Groundbreaking for New Academic Building

Gustavus will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking at the future site of a new 125,000 square foot academic building just west of Christ Chapel at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 16. The new academic building is part of a $44 million commitment made by the College’s Board of Trustees in January to move forward with three major building projects. Also included in the plan is the development of a west mall extending from Christ Chapel and a major renovation of the Anderson Social Science Building. The academic departments that will be housed in the new academic building include communication studies, history, psychology, economics and management, and sociology and anthropology.

Gustavus Forensics Wins Nationals

The Gustavus Adolphus College forensics team took first place in the individual events portion of the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament March 19-21 in Minneapolis. Gustavus amassed 306 points to narrowly defeat Ohio University, which scored 305 points. A total of 57 colleges and universities participated in the tournament. Gustavus sophomore Chloe Radcliffe won the Pentathlon competition, which recognizes the top 10 students who compete in at least five events. First-year student Kate Bissen took first place in Informative Speaking and senior C.J. Hunt also took home a first-place trophy in the Program Oral Interpretation event.

Fantastic Winter for Gustie Athletics

The Gustavus winter athletic teams had great success including MIAC championships in men’s and women’s hockey, women’s basketball, and women’s swimming. The Gusties finished second in men’s basketball, men’s swimming and diving, and women’s indoor track and field. Gustavus also played in and hosted the NCAA Div. III Women’s Frozen Four National Hockey tournament in March.

Applications for next year are ahead of where they were last year at this time which makes Mark Anderson ’66, the director of admission, very happy. We graduated two very large classes in the last two years so we need to have somewhat larger classes in order to maintain our enrollment at about 2,500. Mark Anderson will retire at the end of the academic year so a search is going on to replace him. Gustavus has had only three directors of admission since 1950 (Howard Holcomb ’49, Owen Sammelson ’58, and Mark Anderson ’66) which is quite an amazing track record.

“Come on You Gusties” Breakfast

Once a month, Gusties gather for coffee, breakfast, and great conversation along with a campus speaker. All Gusties are welcomed and invited to the breakfast, third Wednesday of the month, 8-9:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, Minneapolis-Park Place, 1500 Park Place Boulevard. Cost is $10 at the door. Upcoming speaker, April 21: Virgil Jones, director of multi-cultural programs.

Upcoming Events

Apr. 22 – New York Chapter Event – The Core Club

Apr. 23 – Choir of Christ Chapel Home Concert

Apr. 25 – Boston Chapter Event - Bay Back Hotel

Apr. 28 – May Day! Peace Conference

May 1 – Gustavus Choir Home Concert

May 3 – Chicago Chapter Event – The Chicago Club

May 4 – Denver Chapter Event – Denver Athletic Club

Thinking…

Twitter IconSmall Twitter icon

Facebook IconSmall Facebook icon

Instagram IconSmall Instagram icon

Plus IconSmall plus icon in a blue circle that toggles to a small minus icon in a blue circle